Protecting Species Is Not Enough Over The Long Term; Genetic Diversity Must be Preserved As Well, Says CERC's Melnick

As species' populations decline, they also lose genetic diversity, says Don Melnick, director of the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation. As the range of genetic diversity narrows, a species has very little to draw on if the environment changes or disease strikes, he says. Protecting species is not a sufficient long term strategy: Melnick argues that we must also take measures to preserve genetic diversity within those species, such as expanding habitats so that populations can grow.